Currants
Currant Nutritional Information
- More than 5 times the vitamin C of oranges
- As high as banana in potassium
- More calcium than any fruit
- Contain more phosphorus and potassium than any other fruit
- Second only to elderberry in iron and protein
Black currant has exceptional nutritional value. Seeds are rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Fresh fruit have an abundance of vitamins A, B and C and contain between 6 and 9 percent sugar. Currant seed contains high levels of GLA, gamma linolenic acid. The deep rich color of black currant is a strong antioxidant.
Currants can rightfully be called the "King of the Berries" due to the intrinsic biological and nutritional physiological values of its fruits... it contains several-fold higher concentrations of potassium, iron, vitamin C, organic acids and biologically active plant phenolic compounds than other fruits. In this respect, the black currants constitute a distinct group among the fruits. These compounds exert a synergistic effect in the human organism.
Vitamins and Minerals
Black Currant takes first place in calcium and iron over all fruits. They are also an excellent source
for vitamin C and vitamin A. Black currant also is a very good source for phosphorous, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin)
and B3 (niacin) and high in isoflavonols. This fruit is reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and natural
laxative properties. In the October 2002 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, German researchers
reported that black currant juice may cut the risk of kidney stones.
Black Currant Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup crushed Black Currants
2 bananas
One 14 oz. can peaches
One to two tablespoons of honey
4 to 6 ice cubes
Directions:
Blend fruits together for 1 minute. Add ice
cubes and blend until smooth.
Serve immediately.
Variation: substitute peaches with 1 can crushed pineapple or your favourite fruit.
Note: Black Currants freeze well. You can enjoy this recipe all year long with frozen berries.
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